Tiltable grinder-blender,

ABSTRACT

This disclosure is directed to a grinder blender having a bowl with a blade member therein which rotates at a high speed. A means is provided to tilt the bowl to increase the effectiveness of the grinding or blending operation.

United States Patent Haber [541 TILTABLE GRlNDER-BLENDER,

[72] Inventor: Norman Haber, Old Tappan, N.J.

[73] Assignee: Haber Instruments, Inc., Palisades Park,N.J.

i221 Filed; De.14,191o

12|] Appl. No.; 91,879

[52] U.S. Cl. .,241/27, 24H30, 241/63, 241/257 R, 146/68 R 158] Field of Search ....241/63, 100,186, 257 R, 258, 241/277, 287, 27, 30; 146/68 R, 68 A [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Marty ..146/68 R X [451 Oct. 24, 1972 1,933,764 ll/l933 Ruth,.lr ..241/38 2,511,357 6/1950 Marty ..146/68 R X 2,894,551 7/1959 Otto ..146/68 R 2,918,956 12/1959 Otto ..146/68 R 3,434,518 3/1969 Motis ..146/68 R Primary Examiner-Granville Y. Custer, Jr. Attorney-Kenyon & Kenyon Reilly Carr & Chapin [571 Y ABSTRACT This disclosure is directed to a grinder blender having a bowl with a blade member therein which rotates at a high speed. A means is provided to tilt the bowl to increase the effectiveness of the grinding or blending operation.

2 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures Ll l lllllllll TILTABLE GRlNDER-BLENDER,

BACKGROUND The grinding and blending equipment referred to herein, is of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,089,652 and 3,233,837. These devices hold the material to be acted upon in a bowl which is generally of small capacity, up to several ounces, and have a rotating blade member therein which operates at very high speeds, of the order of ten thousand to twenty-tive thousand surface feet per minute. The high rotary speed of the blade is an extremely desirable feature which promotes the rapid and intimate grinding and/or blending of various materials. At the very high speeds of these devices the rotating blade member whirls the materials toward the rim of the bowl in a vortex-like fashion, and the materials or particles then fall back to the bottom portion of the container wherein they are subjected repeatedly to this action. By incorporating the blade at or near the bottom of the container, relatively small volumes are capable of being handled in a container whose capacity allows for a larger volume operation. These devices are applicable to the processing of liquids as well as solids; however, particular difculties and considerations arise with solid bulk materials. lt is noted that with larger amounts of material the solid bulk material substantially impedes the free motion of the blade. This occurs because of the mass and frictional resistance caused by the weight of bulk material upon the surface of the blade and also because of the bulk resistance of the material to the foregoing action. Therefore the most common practical designs for the blending, stirring, or mixing of bulk materials rely upon a rather heavy duty, slow speed, paddle, tumbling, or stirring action. Slow speed masticating equipment derived from the rubber and plastics industry is often employed for the blending of dry solid materials.

By operating these devices at very high rotary speeds, a grinding action may be simultaneously achieved with the blending. The problem, however, of impelling the blade through the bulk systems of solid material is compounded by the very much greater rotary speeds desired to accomplish such as effect. A common means of achieving rotary motion is by the use of electric motor power. At high rotary speeds, the torque characteristics of conventional motors are rather substantially underpowered or taxed when it is considered that the blade is required to irnpel itself through a highly obstructive solid mass which has no initial momentum. The initial load-power requirements upon such a motor will generally cause overloading and even stalling of the motor. [n order to overcome this problem, higher rated motors are needed initially; but are not needed to maintain the processing after it is initiated. lt is not unusual that the motor requirements to initiate such a process may be from ten to twenty five times greater than that required once the process has begun. ln such cases, the cumbersome motor oversizing required becomes impractical.

An alternate method would be to use a hydraulic motor or turbine which is capable of operating initially at relatively low speeds and high torque; then once the process has been initiated, the unit would be switched into the higher desired speed. Such devices may be rather complicated or suffer from other disadvantages such as size, cost, availability and operating capacity.

Another factor of considerable importance is that when the initial motor requirements are suiciently high in order to achieve the proper rotary speed of the blade, the operation of the equipment is dependent upon a single speed, whereas a control on the rate of operation may be desired. Again, this would suggest a multispeed or variable speed motor. However, the rate of blending and degree of disintegration or grinding which is achieved at the high rotary speed varies with the type of materials which are being blended and ground, some being easier to grind, others being more resistant. The only factor that can be readily varied under these circumstances is the time of operation. However, at high rotary speeds, the processing time is often very short. This is particularly so with easily fractured materials since in only a few seconds the entire process may be completed. The regulation of a process which takes several seconds or less than a minute may become rather diicult to control, especially where the degree of iineness, homogenization or other blend requirements are of a critical nature. For example, it may be necessary to control the degree or kind of disruption achieved. Certain cellular foodstuffs are desired in an intercellularly disintegrated state, which if intercellularly disrupted, liberate ingredients which alter the quality or nature of the preparation. Thus, even with multispeed motivation, such as turbines and hydraulic motors, the additional feature of providing a conveniently manageable feed regulating means would improve the load characteristics as well as the versatility of the mechanism for different applications.

lt is therefore an object of this invention to provide a method and apparatus to overcome the above-noted problems.

An object of this invention is to provide a grinderblender capable of use with a conventional low-torq ue high speed motor which operates eEectively even upon relatively high loads at a controllable rate and degree of blending and grinding.

These and other objects are set forth in greater detail in the following detailed description of the invention.

THE lNVENTlGN This invention is directed to a high-speed grinderblender having means to tilt the bowl member. ln the invention here described, both the problems attendant with the initial high requirements of the motor torque and power source as well as a conveniently regulatable means to c'ontrol the rate and degree of blending and grinding are readily accomplished. By providing a tilting mechanism to the container or bowl-like assembly, the unit may be started with minimal or no load upon the rotary member. This is, in effect, initiating rotation at no load conditions. By regulating the rate of tilt towards the vertical, the load can be gradually introduced into the already rotating system. By adjustment of the tilt of the container, the rate at which the grinding or blending is accomplished may be conveniently controlled or delayed. A process which may be completed in a short period of time in the vertical position for a given volume in the container and given blend of materials can often be more conveniently processed by carrying out the operation gradually over a longer period of time. In certain instances, this would be particularly important, eg.: with highly frangible materials where the disruptive processing may become deleterious. By controlling the rate and degree of tilt, especially with partially filled bowls, the percentage of lines and the ratio of the grinding to blending rate can be regulated. The control of this factor becomes an irnportant asset to the utility of such equipment.

The device and method of this invention are further disclosed by the embodiment depicted in the accompanyins drawings FIG. l illustrates in a cross-sectional view the grinder-blender and its support for tiltable movement.

FIG. 2 is a schematic of the grinder-blender in its upright and tilted position.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of FlG. 2 showing the motor supported in the housing.

The bowl 1 of generally cylindrical shape contains a blade 2 near the bottom of the bowl. The blade is connected to the upper portion of shaft 3 which rotates within bearing 4, seals 5 and bearing housing 6. The lower part of the shaft is affixed to a knurled member 7 which nests in collet 8 under the tension applied by clamps 9. The collet is connected to the drive shaft l0 of motor ll. The bowl has clamp members 12 which removably hold cover 13 thereon. The brackets 14 on each side of the motor are held in place by bars l5. The brackets pivot about 90, or up to about 120, around axis 16 by movement of handle 17.

FlG. 2 shows the bowl and motor assembly in its upright position (in solid lines) and in its tilted position (in broken lines). The motor ll is held between brackets 14 which in turn pivot around 16 in the housing I8. The movement of the bowl and motor assembly from its upright position to the horizontal tilted position is arrested by the stop bar 19.

ln FIG. 3, a bottom view of the device of FlG. 2, housing 18 is shown as a frame structure. The motor l1 is held between brackets 14 by bars l5. The brackets 14 pivot around 16 by movement of handle l7. The pivot bar 16 is supported in housing 18 as depicted.

The operation of the grinder-blender can be illustrated by reference to FIG. 2. The bowl portion 1, in solid lines, is opened and the material to be ground is placed therein. The bowl assembly is then closed and the grinder-blender is tilted to about the horizontal position, broken lines. The motor is then started and the assembly is slowly tilted back to its original vertical position by movement of handle 17. The cover may be used with, or replaced by, entrance ports or other means by which the substance to be ground can be fed into the bowl.

The configuration of the motor and drive assembly illustrated in the drawings may be altered to provide other arrangements to tilt the bowl assembly. The common feature of other configurations is that the blade member should be capable of being driven in the upright position and at various angles therefrom, with the bowl assembly similarly positioned therewith. The blade member can be driven by a coupling means extending from the bottom or top of the bowl. The motor assembly can move with the blade and bowl or can remain stationary. In the latter arrangement, the xed motor can be connected to the blade by a conventional flexible or variable gear coupling and the tilting means would be connected to the bowl member. With large bowl assemblies, such as over 200 pound capacity other engineering expedients and mechanisms can be used. The power source can be hydraulic or turbine in place of that illustrated, with suitable coupling means to the blade member. Although in the preferred embodiment the rotor can be driven continuously from the horizontal to the vertical position, it can be designed to operate at a series of fixed angles, such as in the upright position, and 30 and 60 therefrom, or up to about 120 from the upright position.

The advantages of the present invention are illustrated in the following examples.

lt was determined that a motor of i6 horsepower capacity with a bowl capacity of several pounds was capable of supplying sutlicient motor force to effectively grind up to one-half lb. of rock salt or bird seed without essential loss of its rotary speed in the vertical position. With larger amounts, a sharp drop off of the rotary speed occurred and the emciency of grinding and the degree of neness ofthe grinding was adversely aEected. However, by initiating grinding with the container at a tilt angle from the vertical, and then after several seconds moving the container to an upright position, the motor was capable of suitably acting upon l2 lbs. of material in the container at excellent time throughputs and eciency. Processing speeds were substantially close to that which could be achieved with the one-half lbs. in the container in the vertical position; the difference in time for processing such material was relatively small (less than l minute). The time loss could thus be discounted, and definite advantages were gained by this technique, with the device illustrated in the drawings.

Eight ounces of ammonium chloride were added to a 6% container having a one-pound capacity. The container was tilted to the horizontal position of FIG. 2 (broken lines) and the motor started. The blade was rotated at about 16,000 surface feet per minute (SFM RPM X circumference) and the bowl assembly was raised to the vertical position by a steady movement over a span of several seconds. After l minute of grinding, the ammonium chloride was reduced from about 20 mesh to a particle size of -100 mesh for over 90 percent ofthe particles. With an additional grinding period of one minute percent of the particles passed through 200 mesh, and of these particles about 20 percent were reduced to a size of several microns.

The above procedure was used to grind six pounds of coarse rock salt in a lO-pound capacity bowl having a diameter of about 14 inches. ln about 5 seconds over percent of the rock salt was reduced to a size which passed through a mesh screen.

Five pounds of shelled lberts were ground in a l0- pound capacity bowl by the procedure previously described. After twenty seconds of grinding inversion was obtained by intercellular disintegration of the filbert with liberation of its fats and oils.

A suitable rate of blending and grinding with the equipment of this invention is about 10,000 to 24,000 SFM. At lower speeds the ability to grind is lessened. At higher speeds of about 18,000 to 30,000 SFM it is possible to reduce particles to a size of several microns.

The device of this invention is suitable for grinding many substances, such as grains (wheat), chemicals, phamiaceuticals, plastics, fragile metals (bismuth) and foodstuffs. It is preferable to grind dry materials, but substances which are, or become, liquid, such as chocolate may be used.

6 This invention has been described in terms of said bowl into the upright position, and subspecic embodiments set forth in detail. Alternative sequently deactivating said power driving means. embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art 2. The method of grinding in a high-speed grinderin view of this disclosure, and accordingly such modiblender having cations are to be contemplated within the spirit of the 5 a bowl,

invention as disclosed and claimed hereina rotor positioned centrally within and near the bot- [claim: I tom of said bowl, 1- The method 0f gfmdmg l a hlgh-Spd gflndel'- tiltable means to move said bowl and rotor as a unit blender having a bowl,

a rotor positioned centrally within and near the bottom of said bowl,

tiltable means to move said bowl and rotor as a unit from an upright vertical position toward and from a horizontal position, l5

power driving means operatively connected to Said rotor to turn said rotor with respect to said bowl in said vertical position and in other of said positions therefrom,

which comprises placing a substance to be ground into said bowl, wherein the amount of said substance to be ground which is added to said bowl is from an upright vertical position toward and from a horizontal position,

power driving means operatively connected to said rotor to turn said rotor with respect to said bowl in said vertical position and in other of said positions therefrom,

which comprises placing a substance to be ground into said bowl, moving said tiltable means to position said bowl from the upright position, actuating said power driving means to turn said rotor, moving said tiltable means to control the grinding efficiency of said grinder blender by initially grinding a substance when said bowl is positioned between above the effective capacity of said power driving a. vertical and horizontal! posing" and moving Said means to maintain its rotary speed when said bowl tiltable durmg sam! grinding toward the Ver' is in the vertical position, moving said tiltable uca! Posltlon at a rate whlch prevents IQSS gf Sped means to position Said bowl from the upright pi of said rotor, and subsequently deactlvatmg said tion, actuating said power driving means to turn power dnvmg means" said rotor, moving said tiltable means to reposition 

2. The method of grinding in a high-speed grinder-blender having a bowl, a rotor positioned centrally within and near the bottom of said bowl, tiltable means to move said bowl and rotor as a unit from an upright vertical position toward and from a horizontal position, power driving means operatively connected to said rotor to turn said rotor with respect to said bowl in said vertical position and in other of said positions therefrom, which comprises placing a substance to be ground into said bowl, moving said tiltable means to position said bowl from the upright position, actuating said power driving means to turn said rotor, moving said tiltable means to control the grinding efficiency of said grinder blender by initially grinding a substance when said bowl is positioned between a vertical and horizontal position and moving said tiltable means during said grinding toward the vertical position at a rate which prevents loss of speed of said rotor, and subsequently deactivating said power driving means. 